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Vegas Strong: CMA Awards Co-Host Brad Paisley Speaks Out Regarding “Ridiculous & Unfair Press Guidelines” at This Year’s Show

Posted on November 3, 2017

CMA Awards co-host Brad Paisley is speaking out via Twitter regarding suggested media guidelines from the Country Music Association for their upcoming show on Nov. 8.

The CMA requested media members refrain from talking about the Las Vegas shooting tragedy on Oct. 1 that killed 58 people and injured more than 500 during Jason Aldean’s set at the Route 91 Harvest music festival.

I’m sure the CMA will do the right thing and rescind these ridiculous and unfair press guidelines. In 3…2….1…..

— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) November 3, 2017

A portion of the CMA media guidelines is below:

By accepting a media credential to the CMA Awards, you are agreeing that you (and all representatives from your organization) have read the Media Guidelines and agree to follow them. Anyone found violating the Media Guidelines risks forfeiting their CMA Awards credentials.

In light of recent events, and out of respect for the artists directly or indirectly involved, please refrain from focusing your coverage of the CMA Awards Red Carpet and Backstage Media Center on the Las Vegas tragedy, gun rights, political affiliations or topics of the like. It’s vital, more so this year than in year’s past due to the sensitivities at hand, that the CMA Awards be a celebration of Country Music and the artists that make this genre so great. It’s an evening to honor the outstanding achievements in Country Music of the previous year and we want everyone to feel comfortable talking to press about this exciting time. If you are reported as straying from these guidelines, your credential will be reviewed and potentially revoked via security escort. We appreciate your cooperation in advance. If you have any concerns on your coverage plans, please reach out to the CMA Communications team in advance so we can be a great partner as we celebrate “The 51st Annual CMA Awards.”

Maren Morris also chimed in via Twitter.

Country music has always been about the truth. Out of respect for the Las Vegas victims, let’s keep it that way.

— MAREN MORRIS (@MarenMorris) November 3, 2017

We’ll keep you posted on updates.

[Update—11:52 a.m.]

The Country Music Association released a statement, which lifted the media guidelines. You can read the statement below.

“CMA apologizes for the recently distributed restrictions in the CMA Awards media guidelines, which have since been lifted. The sentiment was not to infringe and was created with the best of intentions to honor and celebrate Country Music.”

Bravo CMA awards for doing the right thing & apologizing for this mistake. All are welcome, let’s have a great show.

— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) November 3, 2017

Jimmy’s blog: VFL Davis has harsh words for Jones in resignation email

Posted on November 3, 2017

Nov. 3

By Jimmy Hyams

Former Vol Antone Davis said he submitted his letter of resignation Oct. 31 as VFL coordinator after six years because he endured “constant intimidation, bullying and mental abuse’’ from Tennessee coach Butch Jones.

Davis made those comments in an Oct. 31 email to UT athletic director John Currie, obtained by Sports Radio WNML.

Davis told Currie that “I had always dreamed of coming back and being able to contribute to the continued success of the athletic program.’’

Davis said that working under Jones “has been one of the worst work experiences I have ever had.’’

Asked for comment, Jones issued this statement through football sports information director Zach Stipe: “I wish Antone Davis well and thank him for his work as Tennessee’s Vol For Life Coordinator.’’

Davis also said he had not received a merit raise despite having “outstanding performance reviews,’’ although he had been given UT-wide 1.5 to 3 percent raises. His salary now is about $69,000.

However, one source said Jones went to his administration a while back and, unbeknownst to Davis, asked for a raise for Davis. The request was denied.

Davis closed with this in his email: “I wish you and the men of the University of Tennessee football team nothing but success as you forge ahead in trying to drive the program toward its next national championship.’’

In another email Davis sent to Currie, Davis said he mentioned concerns to Currie as far back as Sept. 22 without Currie taking any action.

“I want you to know that I am not leaving Tennessee because I want to,’’ Davis wrote in the email. “I am leaving because I must. My biggest regret and fear is that I am leaving behind student-athletes and co-workers that may be subjected to the same treatment I have received.’’

Davis also wrote: “In closing, I deeply regret that things have been allowed to transpire, causing a high level of anxiety and other health issues thus creating my need to resign.’’

In an Oct. 31 email to Davis, Currie said: `While I am very sorry that you are leaving us, I am glad that you have been able to find a position you are excited about … ‘’

Currie said he had planned on expanding Davis’ role and “further synergizing your efforts to help our student-athletes with the Thornton Center and the upcoming VFLconnect program.’’

Currie added: “Antone, I appreciate your efforts on behalf of the athletics program and Volunteer student-athletes and look forward to staying in touch.’’

Davis, a former UT All-American offensive lineman, was the No. 8 overall pick in the 1991 NFL draft. He played seven seasons in the NFL.

He was runner-up in 2011 on “The Biggest Loser’’ reality TV show in which he lost 202 pounds.

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Vols Cruise to 86-44 Exhibition Win over Carson-Newman

Posted on November 2, 2017

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Grant Williams logged a double-double off the bench, and Tennessee cruised to an 86-44 win over Carson-Newman at Thompson-Boling Arena Thursday night in the team’s first exhibition game of the preseason.

Williams finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds, both of which were game-highs. Admiral Schofield enjoyed a strong performance as well, dropping 17 points to go along with five boards. Also finishing in double figures was sophomore Jordan Bowden, who went 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. Jordan Bone dished out a game-high eight assists while committing just one turnover.

Tennessee’s defense helped create scoring opportunities for the Vols, who outscored Carson-Newman 26-2 in points-off-turnovers on the evening. Overall, the Eagles turned the ball over 24 times compared to UT’s 10.

The Vols jumped out to a quick start in the first half, opening with a 17-3 run in the first five minutes that was sparked by a pair of threes from both Bone and Lamonte Turner.

Tennessee was fueled by strong defensive play in the first half, forcing 12 turnovers and holding the Eagles to a five-minute scoring drought en route to a 45-25 halftime advantage.

That momentum carried over into the second half, as the Vols used a 15-0 run to go up 62-27 early in the stanza. Tennessee’s lead would grow to as many as 46 as 10 of the 14 Vols who saw playing time landed in the scoring column.

DEFENSIVE INTENSITY: Tennessee’s 44 points allowed were the fewest allowed by the Vols in any game (exhibition, regular season or postseason) since March 14, 2014, when they also allowed 44 to South Carolina in the SEC Tournament.

LONG DISTANCE SUCCESS: Tennessee’s 12 made threes were the most made in a game since the Vols had 16 made 3-pointers on Dec. 6, 2016, against Presbyterian, and second-most of the Rick Barnes era. The Vols’ 34 attempts were the most of the Barnes era.

SCHOFIELD SCORING: Junior forward Admiral Schofield‘s 17 points against Carson-Newman well surpassed his 2016-17 season average of 8.2 points per game and were his most in a single game since he scored 18 at Auburn on Jan. 31.

UP NEXT: The Vols will travel to face Clemson on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 12:30 p.m. ETin their second and final exhibition game of the season. The game will not be televised. Tennessee opens the regular season next Friday, Nov. 10 at home against Presbyterian, a game which will stream online through SEC Network+ (WatchESPN).

-UT Athletics

Daniel Named Burlsworth Trophy Candidate

Posted on November 2, 2017

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Tennessee punter Trevor Daniel has been named one of 63 national candidates for the 2017 Burlsworth Trophy, as announced this week by the Burlsworth Trophy in conjunction with the Springdale (Ark.) Rotary Club.

Now in its eighth year, the Burlsworth Trophy recognizes the most outstanding Division I (FBS) football player who began his collegiate career as a walk-on and has since demonstrated an exceptional on-field performance.

The award is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, a former University of Arkansas offensive lineman who began his career as a walk-on with the Razorbacks. Burlsworth went on to become a 1998 All-American and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. Tragically, he was killed in a car accident 11 days after the National Football League Draft. His life story was released in a major motion picture, “Greater,” last year.

Through eight games this season, Daniel has 47 punts for 2,209 yards and a 47.0-yard average, which ranks second in the SEC and fourth in the nation. Daniel’s 19 punts inside opponents’ 20-yard line and 21 punts of 50 or more yards lead the SEC. His 19 punts inside the 20 also rank fourth among Power Five schools.

Daniel’s 47.0-yard season average is on track to break Tennessee’s all-time record and his 45.6 career punting average ranks second among active NCAA punters, regardless of division, and is tops in UT history. Daniel’s 72-yard punt in the fourth quarter versus South Carolina this season also marked the longest punt in a regular-season game by a Vol since VFL Joey Chapman booted a 74-yard punt against Pacific in 1990.

In 2016, Daniel cemented himself as one of Tennessee’s all-time greatest punters. He ranked third in the SEC and 11th nationally with a 44.6 punting average and boomed 21 punts of at least 50 yards, including a conference-long 70-yarder against South Carolina. Daniel also pinned the opposition inside the 20-yard line 28 times.

To start the 2015 season, Daniel entered preseason camp in a three-way battle with a fifth-year senior and a highly touted freshman for the first-team punter spot but Daniel soon established himself at the Vol’s starting punter through his consistency and work ethic. In 13 games, Daniel punted 60 times for a 45.7 average which ranks second in UT history. The average ranked eighth in the NCAA and second in the SEC. Daniel had 25 punts downed inside the 20 and a long punt of 61 yards in his debut against Bowling Green in Tennessee’s season-opening game. In addition to earning a spot on the Ray Guy Award Watch List and being a Burlsworth Trophy candidate, Daniel was named to the 2015-16 Pro Football Focus Team of Bowl Season.

The Dickson, Tennessee native joined the Vols as a walk-on in 2013 and earned the second-team punter position as a redshirt freshman in 2014. Daniel was awarded a scholarship prior to the 2015 season.

The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation and the Springdale Rotary Club will host an awards ceremony on Dec. 4 in Springdale, Arkansas to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2017 winner.

-UT Athletics